Some (not all or most) of Nadal's fans are simply nuts. Dimwits like cowell coward (who disappeared during Nadal's losing streak) said the same thing after last year's FO. Federer should retire, he's not gonna win Wimby or USO, yada yada. He went on to win both, for 3 of the 4 slams.

Federer was the only guy to take a set off of Nadal at the FO, and played almost perfect the 2nd set. But against Nadal (on clay), you need to play that well the entire match, b/c his level is almost constantly great.

Federer is a greater player exiting the FO this year than he was entering it, not a less great player. Even though he didn't win it, his 8th final appearance in a row -- that kind of consistency is simply amazing. And that's on his worst surface.

But congrats to Nadal for a great great clay-court season, and a 3rd FO title win.

I wouldn't say the whole match was mental...Federer's serve & forehand were a little off, but he still battled, which was respectable. He tried to play as much as he could, the way he needed to to beat Nadal. I think he played with big balls, particularly in the 2nd set.

I'm curious to see what happens. Nadal made excellent adjustments last year and is a better player this season. He's somewhat like Borg in the way he wins big points and hits big clutch serves. I wouldn't be shocked if he won Wimbledon, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I wouldn't say the whole match was mental...Federer's serve & forehand were a little off, but he still battled, which was respectable. He tried to play as much as he could, the way he needed to to beat Nadal. I think he played with big balls, particularly in the 2nd set.

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He had around 57 unforced errors. That is very uncharacteristic of him.

His forehand usually never misses and is considered to be the best forehand in the game by far, but today Nadals forehand looked better than Federer's and Federers shots usually weren't penetrating enough.

It also seemed as though every time Federer went for a forehand he'd hit it in the top of tape many times even on weaker shots he should not be missing.

I forgot who said it best on tv, but i think its the most accurate description of Federer and Nadal on clay. They said Federer at his best will beat Nadal at his best but Federer has a harder time reaching his best on clay compared to the Nadal style of game which reaches it much easier.

Anyways, it was a good match to watch. He's still the 2nd best clay court player in the game which is nothing to be ashamed of.